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No. 23. 

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The Conspiracy 



By Wm. Organ. 




ADOLPH £. REIM. 

Publisher, 
MILWAUKEE, WISCONglK. 



(gClD 24010 



0^ No. 23. 
The Conspiracy. 

A Dramatic Sketch, 
By Wm. Organ. 

][ — 



Entered according to act of Congress in the year 1910, hy Adolph 
E. Reim, in the office of the Librarian of Congress at Washing- 
ton, D. C. 



IE- 



NOTICE. 

The Acting Rights of this sketch are reserved. This applies to 
amateurs as well as professionals. Letters should be addressed to 
the sole owner Adolph E. Reim, at 306 Foster Bldg., Milwaukee, 
Wis. 

"Any person publicly performing or representing any dramatic 
or musical composition, for which a copyright has been obtained, 
without the consent of the proprietor of said dramatic or musical 
composition, or his heirs or assigns, shall be liable for damages 
therefor; such damages in all cases to be assessed at such sum, not 
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performance, as to the court shall appear to be just. If the unlaw- 
ful performance and representation be wilful and for profit, such 
person or persons shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon con- 
viction be imprisoned for a period not exceeding one year." 

U. S. REVISED STATUTES, TITLE 60, CHAPTER 3, SECTION 
4966. 

ADOLPH E. REIM, 

Publisher, 
MILWAUKEE, - WISCONSIN. 

TMP96-006859 



CHARACTERS. 

Dr. Keppleb •. . . .Proprietor of a Private Sanitarium. 

Jim Blakeiy The Arch-fiend and Conspirator. 

Jack Blakely His Brother. 

Nellie Blakely .Jack's Wife. 



THE CONSPIRACY, 



SCENE — Office of Dk. Keppler's Private Sanitarium. Afternoon. 
Scene set in 3. Doors l. i. r. i. and r. c. Desk c. at back, chair at 
desk, pen, ink, paper, etc., on desk. Bell on desk. TeJeplione at 
desk. Other furnhture as desired to dress stage. Lights full up. 

(As curtain rises. Dr. Keppler is discovered writing at desk. He 
continues writing for a few seconds, then telephone rings. Dr. tiums 
and takes up receiver). 

Doctor — Hello, hello! Yes, this is Dr. Keppler— What's that? Oh, 
is that you, Hartman? No, I'm afraid I can't just now. I have an 
appointment. Can't you call around in about two hours? Very im- 
portant, eh? Well, I'm sorry, but that is the best I can do for you. 
All right, good-bye. (Han^s up receiver, turns about in his chair 
and faces audience). Hang Blakely, why doesn't he hurry? (Looks 
at his icatch). It's away past the time now! (Rises). Here Hart- 
man wants to see me most particularly, but I've got to put him off 
just to wait Blakely's motion. I'll be mighty glad when Blakely 
gets this business over with! It is the most damnable piece of 
work that I ever handled. Callous-hearted scoundrel that I am, this 
affair grates on my nerves. (Saunters across stage, hands in his 
pocket). Still it means a fortune to me. (Loud groans off r.). 
There's seventeen again — hang that fellow! (Opens door r. i. and 
shouts). Ferguson, keep that fellow quiet, will you? 

Voice off R. I. — All right, sir! 

Dr. — (Looking at his watch). No signs of Blakely yet! I guess 
I'll go in and have a chat with my pretty young charge in the mean- 
time. (Exits R. I.). 

(After a pause, a key grates in the lock of door r. c, the door is 
pushed slowly and cautiously open, and Jack Blakely enters cau- 
tiously looking haggard, and to all appearances "a raving maniac.'* 
He looks cautiously about the room). 

Jack — Ha, ha, — I'm all alone ! He's not here ! That's good, that's 
good! I wish he would never come back! But that is not to be — 
that fiend will return and keep up his hellish work. Yes, yes, I 



4 THE CONSPIRACY. 

know he will. (Cowering in fear). Oh, oh! How I fear that man! 
He gives me drugs to take away my reason. I suppose he is in 
there now, torturing those poor devils. (A laugh ofj' r. i.). There 
he is, hear that laugh? Oh, what a laugh! I can't bear to hear 
it! {A laugh off r. l). There it is again. Isn't it awful? Awful! 
It sounds hollow as if it came out of a skull. Oh, what a fiend 
that man is! A man? No, he can't be a man. No, no, I know who 
he is — ^he is Satan — the prince of Hell! Ha! ha! ha! (Laughs 
wildly — BUS: suitable to the ravings of a maniac and — ). 

(Enter Dr. and Nellie Blakely, r. i.). 

Dr. — Well, how the devil did you get out? 

Jack — (Dropping on his knees am.d clutching the Dr. around the 
legs in fear). Oh, don't give me any more of that drug. I'll be 
quiet — I won't give you any more trouble. No, no, I won't, I pro- 
mise j^ou I won't ! For God's sake, don't give me any more ! It 
makes my brain reel. I think and see such strange tnmgs. Oh, 
please don't, please don't! 

Dr. — (Chuckling sardonically and pushing him aioay from him). 
All right, I won't — just now ! 

Jack — (Raving ivildly). There goes that infernal laugh again! 
Stop it! Stop it, I say, — for God's sake, stop it! It's horrible, hor- 
rible — it drives me mad! (Dr. chuckles sardonically). There it 
is again. Oh, it's horrible, horrible! I know you — you're Satan. 
Satan has a black mustache and goatee — like you. I wouldn't care 
if you would only stop that terrible laugh! I can't bear it, it 
pierces my very soul! Ha, ha! (Laughs wildly). There! I drown- 
ed you that time! If I can't stop you, I can laugh with you. Ha; 
ha; ha! (Raves and laughs wildly). 

Dr. — ^^Enough of this, get in there where you belong. (Pushes him 
in r. c. locks door). 

Dr. — How careless of me to leave that door unlocked ! 

Nellie— Oh, Heaven! Isn't that terrible? Who is that poor fel- 
low? 

Dr. — Oh, that is a poor unfortunate that is here under my treat- 
ment (Aside). Poor girl, doesn't recognize her own husband! 
Well, it's not to be wondered at, the condition he is now in! (To 
Nellie). How are you feeling now, my dear? 

l^ellie — I feel so strangely! My brain seems to be all confused, 



THE CONSPIRACY. 5 

I can't think clearly. I haven't any recollection of anything, my 
mind wanders. Where am I, who are you? 

Dr. — .\Ie? Why, I am the gentleman who conducts this charm- 
ing retreat! 

A^eZZie— Retreat? 

Dr, — ^Retreat, I say again, because it is a place where those wea- 
ry in mind may find rest. I have many testimonials to its value in 
that respect. 

Nellie — There is something — something, I do not understand in 
your words. Tell me what it all means. 

Dr. — Yes, I will tell you, because the rule of the establishment 
is "absolutely no secrecy." We believe in kindness, too, as long as 
kindness will work. 

Nellie — For Heaven's sake, speak ! 

Dr.^ — Now be calm, my dear, young lady. It will hasten your re- 
covery to exercise your self-control. 

Nellie — Recovery? 

Z>r.— Yes, I do not think your reason is greatly impaired, and this 
is a famous institution for restoring reason to those who have lost 
it. 

Nellie — An Asylum ! 

Dr. — I think retreat is a more pleasant word. 

Nellie — Why am I here, in this place — an asylum? 

Dr.— Why are most people generally sent to a place of this kind, 
my dear? 

Nellie — But I am not insane. 

Dr. — That's what they all say. 

Nellie — -I can't understand. Who put me here? 

Dr. — Your husband, of course I 

Nellie — I don't believe it. It is some trap. If he put me here, 
why doesn't he come to see me? 

Dr. — Because it would be dangerous! You must avoid all excite- 
ment, if you wish to hasten your recovery. 

Nellie — I tell you I'm not insane! How long have I been here? 

Dr. — Nearly two weeks. You see you have no recollection of any- 
thing. That should convince you that your mind is impaired. 

Nellie — There is some strange mystery about this. I have a vague 
recollection of coming here with my brother-in-law, he said he wish- 
ed to intercede for a friend, and didn't care to come alone. You 
gave me a glass of wine, after that everything seemed a blank. 



6 THE CONSPIRACY. 

Dr. — ( Stffnifican tly ) . Yes. 

-t^ellie — Great Heaven! I'm beginning to understand now. Dr. 
Keppler, you drugged me! 

Dr. — Hush, my dear — calm yourself! Why should I do anything 
of that kind? 

'Nellie — ^There is some deep plot being hatched out here that I am 
aware of. For some reason or other, I am wanted out of the way. 
But I'll not stay another minute. Let me go! Do you hear, let 
me go! 

Dr. — (Grabbing her). Not quite yet, my dear. (Nellie slaps Ms 
face and struggles to free herself). You little spit-fire, — you can 
scratch worse than a tiger! You must calm yourself, my dear. You 
need a good rest, let me assist you to your room, your mind is 
weary and worn out. 

Nellie — Dr. Keppler, you're a fieud. You must be Satan himself! 

Dr. — You flatter me, my dear. I haven't the great honor of be- 
ing his Satanic majesty himself, but I trust I have the honor of be- 
ing one of the most obedient servants. (Chuckles sar(lonically 
mid bows very loic, Nellie staggers and faints in the Dr's. arms). 
Poor girl, swooned, eh? Isn't it singular how many take it that 
way? Well, I'll let Ferguson look after her. (Carries Nellie off 
E. I., then returns, looks at his ivatch impatiently. Bell rings off 

L.). 

Dr. — At last! (Xes stage and exits l. l, after a pause lie re- 
enters, followed by Jim Blakely). 

Dr. — (Angrily). Hang it, man, do you know you are over an 
hour late? I can't monkey around this way. I could have had an- 
other valuable appointment, but I had to postpone it on your ac- 
count ! 

Jim — I 'm sorry to keep you waiting, Dr.. but it couldn't be help- 
ed. I've just come from the old man — I had a good, long talk with 
him. 

Dr. — (Motioning to a chair). Sit down. (Jim sits, Dr. sits at 
desk). How is he coming? 

Jim — That drug of yours is doing its work well ! He's about — ■ 

Dr. — (Interrupting him). Yes, yes I know. But how about the 
other matter? 

Jim — Great! I've switched him around to my side at last. All 
that is lacking is the drawing up of his will, and that he has a- 
greed to do this very afternoon. 



THE CONSPIRACY. 7 

Dr. — Good! How about Jack, is he hopelessly out of the running? 

Jim — Hopelessly! I had a tough job convincing the old man that 
Jack is a drug fiend of the vilest type, but I managed to do it! 

Dr. — (GhuckUng). Drug fiend? That's right too, but who's the 
cause of it, eh? 

Jim — But even with Jack out of the running, I had no easy task 
of bringing him to terms. The old fool was a little inclined to 
leave his coin to that new institution that is being erected up town ! 
The old boy never did fancy me to any great extent. 

Dr. — I should hope not! By jove, Blakely, you're about the — 

Jim — Tut, tut. Dr. — don't get personal. You're no saint yourself, 
if it were only known. Remember it is only through you, with 
^ your skilled hand, that I can accomplish this trick! 

Dr. — Quite right! Without Dr. Keppler, where could you obtain 
a drug that would slowly but surely, eat away your uncle's life, 
without leaving any trace behind it? There is but one Dr. Keppler, 
if I do say it myself. 

Jim — Dr. you're a wonder. I can't comprehend! Why, that drug 
is eating away his life, inch by inch, and the physicians are still 
unable to fathom the mystery. 

Dr. — You bet they are! He will waste away before their very 
eyes, and the only cause they can attribute death to, is old age, or 
something of that sort. Oh, it's a wonderful drug ! It took me years 
to develop it, but it's worth all the labor. 

Jim — How much longer will he linger on like this? 

Dr. — Perhaps a month or so, that drug is slow but sure! 

Jim — Too long! I am now assured of his fortune, and the quick- 
er we can wind up this job, the better! I suppose you know all a- 
bout poisons, Dr.? 

Dr. — I should hope so, I spent the best part of my life studying 
them, in France. 

Jim — Have you a drug that will do the work in a breath, without 
leaving any trace or cause any suspicion to be attached to anyone 
in consequence? 

Dr.— Yes! 

Jim — Good! The time has come, Dr. I intend to — 

Dr. — {Coughing tehind his hand). To poison a dog? 

Jim — Well, yes, if you will have it that way. Do you think you 
can help me? 

Dr. — I think so, just excuse me for a moment, (rises and exits 



8 THE CONSPIRACY. 

E. I.). 

(Jim 1-iscs and paces floor. BUS: A Tcey is heard in lock of door 
E. c. and Jack enters cautiously. Jim doesn't notice his entrance and 
Xes and sits hy desk with his hack to Jack). 

Jack— Ha., ha, he doesn't know I've got this key. Ha, ha ! Where 
is that fiend? (Discovers Jim). Ah, there he sits! There he is, the 
fiend ! I must do it ! I must do it ! Yes, yes, I must. Then I won't 
hear his awful laugh any more. Yes, I must kill him, kill him I Yes, 
yes, I must kill him ! Get my hands about his throat and choke his 
infernal life into the very depths of hell! Ha! Ha! Ha! (Raves and 
laughs fiendishly. Jim now discovers him). 

Jim — (Rising horrified). Great Heavens It is Jack — ^my brother! 
What a wreck he is, and I am the cause of it! Great Heavens!, 
How did he get out? I wish the Dr. would hurry! 

Jack — You are not he. No, no! The other has a black goatee! 
But you are a devil too. Oh, I can tell, yes, I can tell! This place 
must be full of devils! (Pointing to the fioor). Look! Look! Look! 
Don't you see them? A whole lot of little devils running around the 
floor? (To Jim). You must be the king. Yes, the king. With the 
king dead, the rest will leave. Yes, yes, I must kill the king! Ha! 
Ha! (Laughs fiendishly and approaclies Jim). 

Jim — (Backing away from him in terror). Great Heavens! He 
will kill me! Why doesn't the Dr. hurry? 

Jack — So you fear me, eh? Ha! Ha! Ha! (Laughs wildly). I 
thought Satan knew no fear. You have cause to fear me, for you 
have got to die! (Laughs fiendishly). Do j^ou hear? You have got 
to die ! I'm going to kill you ! ' Kill ! Kill ! Kill ! Something keeps 
saying to me, kill ! kill ! kill ! It must be the evil passion rising with- 
in me. You imp of hell — you have haunted me long enough ! With 
my own hands, I'm going to choke your miserable life into eternity ! 
(Laughs fiendishly, attacks Jim and hurls him to the fioor). 

Jim — (Struggling to free himself). Help! Help! 

Jack — That's right, shout — shout all you damn please! It will do 
you no good, for I am going to kill you! (Chokes him). I'm going 
to choke your infernal life into the very depths of Hell! (Chokes 
Jim and laughs fiendishly). 

(Enter Dr. r. i.). 

Dr. — What the devil goes on here? 



THE CONSPIRACY. 9 

Jack — {Releasing Jim and cowering hefore the Dr.)- So, it's you 
come back! I thought you had gone for good. 

Dr. — You get back in there where you belong! {Pushes Jack 
through r. c). Well I'll be hanged. I could have sworn that I 
locked that door. (Locks door and assists Jim to his feet). 

Jim — (FeeNy). You came just in time. That brute would have 
killed me. 

Df. — Brute, did you say? We are the brutes, he is only what we 
have made him ! 

Jim — (Shuddering). Horrible! Horrible! 

Dr.- — This spell of his will only lasts a short time now, then he will 
be as rational as ever, until I drug him again. 

Jim — Don't! For Heaven's sake don't! Let him go before it is 
too late! I had no idea what a wreck we were making of him. 

Dr. — You're losing your nerve, brace up I You can't turn back 
now, you've gone too far. You can't afford to let a million dollars 
slip through your grasp, just because your feelings give way. Here, 
I'll fix you up. (Xes to desk and takes out a flask, pours a drink). 
Here, take a swig of this, that will put you on your pins again. 
(Jim Xes and drains glass). There, I'll bet you feel better already! 

Jmi — "icou're right. I'm a fool to let my feelings get the better 
of me. But, that sight unnerved me. Have you the drug? 

Dr. — Yes. (Takes bottle from his pocket). Here's the article 
you need. I should think you could drop it in a cup of tea, I mean 
milk. Five or six drops will be sufficient. It is tasteless, and will 
leave no trace whatever. 

Jim — How much is it? 

Dr.— One thousand dollars. You must realize that this is danger- 
ous business. It isn't like taking care of a troublesome friend. I 
don't mind running an account in such a case, but in this I shall 
have to have cash. 

Jim — Here's your money. (Counts out several Mils and hands 
Dr.). How is the girl coming along? 

Dr.— Very nicely. I keep her doped just enough to keep her qui- 
et—that's all. 

Jim — Let that be all. No harm must come to that girl, remember 
that! I intend to skip the country, and that girl goes with me — 
see? 

Dr.— Well, can you beat that? Not satisfied with putting your 
uncle out of the way, to secure his fortune, you have to put the 



10 THE CONSPIRACY. 

finishing touches by running off with your brother's wife. Believe 
jne, that's going some ! 

Jim — Never mind, this is my affair — ^besides, you are not the 
loser by it! 

Dr. — Correct, it's your business, not mine! 

Jim — Is she in a state to be seen? 

Dr. — Yes, I'll bring her in. {Exit Dr. r. i. BUS: for Jim pacing 
the floor, etc., until Dr. returns). 

Enter Dr. and Nellie r. l). 

Dr. — Here is a friend to see you, my dear. ^ 

Jimr—(To Dr.). Leave us alone. 

Dr. — As soon as I lock that door. I don't care to take any chan- 
ces. (Xes and locks door, l. i. then Xes and exits r. i.). 

Jiin — How do you feel, Nellie? 

Nellie — Oh, Jim, why do you keep me in this awful place? I'm 
not insane. 

Jim — Don't excite yourself, Nellie, Dr. Keppler has discovered that 
your mind is slightly deranged. But don't take it so hard, dear, you 
will be all right again in a few weeks. 

Nellie— 1 tell you I'm not insane. It is some trap to get me out 
of the way. Dr. • Keppler is a fiend incarnate — he gives me drugs 
that take away my reason. Jim, I believe that you have something 
to do with this. 

Jim — Nellie, calm yourself. You don't realize what you are saying, 
dear. I am trying my best to get you out of here, and I will suc- 
ceed if you will only trust me. 

Nellie— Where is Jack, why doesn't he come and see me? 

Jim — Don't speak of him, Nellie. 

Nellie — What is wrong? Why do you speak like that? 

Jim — Nellie, I can't bear to tell you. 

Nellie — Speak, I must know! I have a right to know. 

Jim — I would rather spare you this blow, Nellie. But since you 
compel me to speak, I will tell you the truth. You are not in- 
sane, it was my brother Jack, your own husband, who placed you 
here ! 

Nellie — Jim, do you know what you are saying? Why would Jack 
do a thing like this? 

Jim — To be plain, he wanted you out of the way. I wished to 



THE CONSPIRACY. 11 

spare you this blow, but you forced me to speak. 

KeUie— Oh, God, I can't believe it! Why should he wish me out 
of the way? 

Jim — Simply because he is tired of you and wants his freedom. 
But that isn't the worst, I have dreadful news! Do you think you 
can bear it? 

XeUie — In heaven's name, speak! This suspense is driving me 
mad ! 

Jim — Your husband is dead. 

Nellie — Dead? 

Jim — Yes. - 

liellie — Oh. this is dreadful! How did it happen? 

Jim — He got mixed up in a drunken brawl downtown, and was 
shot. 

^'e7//e^0h, horrors! Jim, swear to me that you speak the truth! 

Jim — I swear it! What object would I have in deceiving j^ou? I 
tried to spare you this blow, but it had to come out sooner or later, 
so you might as well know everything at once. 

A' r?7/e— Everything? What more is there to know? 

Jim — A great deal ! Nellie, your husband has never been a true 
husband to you. I know this is a hard thing to say of my own 
brother, but it's the truth nevertheless. I could have told you all 
this long ago, but I didn't wish to make trouble. 

Nellie — Speak, speak! How has he been untrue to me? 

Jim — By running with other women. Night after night, he would 
tell you he had work to do at the office, when, instead of going to 
his office, he would be downtown carousing with his fast lady friends. 
And now to have more freedom to himself, he gave this Dr. Kep- 
pler a sum of money to pronounce you insane. 

Nellie — But, I came to this place with you, how do you account 
for that? 

Jim — I was deceived. Jack told me to bring you here. Of course, 
he led me to believe you were insane, I had no cause to believe oth- 
erwise. But after I had time to think it over, I began to mistrust. 
That is why I am here to-day. I forced the truth from Keppler. I 
now intend to get you out of here. 

Nellie— Oh, God! What a blow! And Jack, I thought him the 
truest of husbands. Oh, Jack, Jack! How could you? (Sohs). 

Jim— Don't take on so, Nellie. He is not worth your tears. Un- 
cle understood his reckless habits, that is why he has cut him out 



12 THE CONSPIEACY. 

of his fortune, and left it all to me. Now, Nellie, I have a confes- 
sion to make, I wasn't in a position to speak before. You were mar- 
ried to my brother, so I, like any other honorable man, held myself 
in check. But now he is dead, and I am free to speak. Nellie, I 
love you, love you with my whole heart and soul. I want yoii to be 
my wife. 

is elite — (SohMng). Don't, don't! 

Jim — I must speak ! I have alwaj^s loved j'ou, but you loved my 
brother, so I bore my sorrow in silence. But now I have a right to 
speak. Surely you can have no love left for that soulless scoundrel, 
who has so heartlessly deceived you! Come to me, I love you and 
will make you happy. 

Nellie — As if I could ever be happy again, after what has hap- 
pened. 

Jiiii — You can soon forget. We can go far away from here, to 
some strange country, and begin a new life. 

Nellie — Don't torture me, it can never be ! 

Jim — Don't say that, Nellie. You surely can't think of remaining 
here in den of this fiend. It is a veritable hell-on-earth ! 

Nellie — Oh, no, no, no ! It makes me shudder to think of it ! 

Jim — Then come with me, let me be your protector. You are not 
safe in this part of the country. Sooner or later, this fiend will have 
you in his power again. I can get you away from here by buying 
him off for the time being. I'll soon be rich, then we can go to 
Australia, and begin a new life. (Nellie doesn't reply). Why hesi- 
tate, Nellie — can't you see it is all for the best? 

Nellie— You are right, Jim, I will go with you. 

Jim — (Chuckles sardonically, aside, then to Nellie). Bless you, 
Nellie. You will never regret it, I will devote my entire life to 
making you happy. (Takes her in his arms and kisses her). 

(Enter Dr. r. l). 

Dr. — I beg your pardon. . I didn't mean to intrude. I wouldn't 
have interrupted such a charming scene for the world. (Boies 
coldly and chuckles sardonically. To Nellie). Come, my dear. I 
have given you more time than I intended. Too much excitement is 
dangerous you know. (Takes hold of Nellie). 

Nellie — Don't touch me, you fiend! (Struggles and frees herself). 

Dr. — (To Jim, chuckling). How she admires me! 



THE CONSPIRACY. 13 

Jim — {Aside to Nellie). Obey him for the present, Nellie. 

(Dr. talxes Nellie forcibly off r. l). 

Dr. — (Off R. I.). Here, Ferguson, take care of her. 
Voice off R. I. — All right, sir ! 

(Re-enter Dr. r. i.) 

Dr. — I take it that things are coming your way pretty nicely. I 
saw her in your arms a moment ago. 

Jim — It is a true saying that the devil takes care of his own. I 
have succeeded far beyond my expectations. As soon as I can rake 
in uncle's fortune, I intend to skip to Australia, and my brother's 
pretty wife goes with me. (Chuckles) . 

Dr. — She does, if you are inclined to settle with me the desired 
amount for her release. 

Jim — ^What is your price? 

Dr. — Ten thousand dollars. 

Jim — Ten thousand dollars? Do you Intend to bleed me of the 
entire fortune before I get possession of it? 

Dr. — You have your choice, pay my price, or the girl stays. 

Jim — You've got the drop on me, and you are trying to play it 
for all it's worth. But it's no go. The price is outrageous — I'll not 
give it. I'm in account with you now for over twenty thausand. 

Dr. — Very well, the girl stays, that's all. I have named my price 
and that stands, see? 

Jim — Confound you, Keppler, I'll — (Rushes at Db. in a rage. De. 
draws a revolver and covers Jim). 

Dr. — Don't do it, Blakely. You can't work that game on me, I'm 
too old a hand. Besides you can't afford to get yourself in bad with 
me. I'm the only one that can see you safely through this business. 
(Lays revolver on desk). Let us look at it in a reasonable light. If 
you succeed, you get one million dollars. If you fail, I get nothing, 
that was understood at the start. I think the price I have asked is 
a liberal one ; the risk I am running is greater than yours. As soon 
as your business is over, you can skip the country, and all trace of 
you will be lost, while I must remain here and go on with my busi- 
ness, and avoid suspicion as best I can. 

Jim — You are right, Keppler, I was too hasty. I accept your terms. 



14 THE CONSPIRACY. 

Dr. — Good! Sign this agreement. {Takes paper from his pocket 
and hands to Jim. Jim sits at desk and signs, rises and hands pa- 
per to De). 

Jim — I'll leave you now. I'll call again to-morrow. 

Dr. — Very well. I'll see you to the door. 

(Dr. unlocks door l. i. Exeunt Dr. and Jim l. i. Enter Jack r. 
c, cautiously, walks ahout cautiously, discovers revolvei on desk, 
picks it up and examines it. BlfS: suitaNe to the ravings of a man- 
iac). 

Jack — (Raving). Ah, ha, this time I'll not fail! (Laughs loildly 
and flourishes revolver). Oh, for a license to send a bullet crash- 
ing through his black heart! Ah! Someone coming! (Crouches 
doion behind desk). 

(Enter Dr. l. i. Xes, hurriedly to r. i. as he is about to enter r. i. 
Jack raises the revolver and fires. Dr. staggers and falls against 
door R. I. Exit Dr. r. i. Jack Xes quickly to r. i. and opens door). 

Jack— (Raving wildly). I've done it at last! I've done it at last! 
I killed him ! I killed him ! That fiend of hell will never trouble 
me again ! He is dead ! He is dead ! His soul is in hell Ha ! Ha ! 
Ha! (Laughs wildly, places his hand to his head, staggers and falls 
to the floor. After a pause, he rises slowly, loipes his eyes as though 
beioildered). Why, why, where am I? What has happened? I can- 
not seem to recollect. I seem as though awakened from some hor- 
rible dream. This strange place, I can't understand. 

(Nellie enters r. i. terrified). 

Nellie — What has happened? I heard a shot! Dr. Keppler — he is 
dying ! 

Jack — (Starimg at her). Nellie! 

Nellie — You know me — who are you ? 

Jack — Don't you know me? I'm Jack, your husband! 

Nellie — (Surprised). Jack — alive ! 

Jack — ^Alive? Of course, but where are we? This is not our home ! 

Nellie — God forbid! This is an asylum! 

Jack — An asylum? 

Nellie — What does it all mean? What are you doing here? 

Jack — I was examined by Dr. Keppler, and pronounced insane. 
But I'm not insane, Nellie this fiend drugs me. 

Nellie — ^More mystery! Your brother Jim was just here. He told 



THE CONSPIRACY. 15 

me it was you who had me put here. 

Jack— 11 

Nellie — Yes, he said you wanted me out of the way, so you could 
associate with your fast lady friends, said you had always been 
untrue to me. That wasn't the worst, he said you were killed in a 
drunken brawl last M^eek. 

Jack — Great God! My brother told you this? (Nellie nods). 
It's an infamous lie, Nellie! I never deceived you in all my life. 
No other woman in all the world can ever take your place in my 
heart. But I can't understand. Why should my brother so base- 
ly deceive you? 

Nellie — It must be some dastardly plot against us. Jim told me 
your uncle had cut you out of his will, because you were a drug 
fiend, said that was why you were here. He said your uncle had 
left his entire fortune to him, and he wanted me to leave for Aus- 
tralia with him. 

Jack — The scoundrel ! Can this be the brother I have loved and 
trusted all my life? Oh, what an awakening! How will it all end? 

(Dk. Keppler enters r. l, staggers to chair and sinks into it). 

Nellie — (To Dr.). Dr. Keppler, you are dying, if you have one 
spark of conscience left, if you have any fear of the hereafter, un- 
ravel this horrible mystery. 

Dr. — (Feebly). I'm done for! Oh, what an ending! 

Nellie — You are paying the penalty for your crimes. But you can 
lessen your sins by confessing this awful mystery which overshad- 
ows two innocent lives. 

Dr. — (Feebly). I must! I can't die in peace, with this dark se- 
cret hidden in my breast. (To Jack). Boy. you are yourself again, 
listen! There is a conspiracy against you. You are not insane, 
neither is your wife. It is all the conspiracy of that fiend brother 
of yours, to get your uncle's fortune. He has made your uncle be- 
lieve that you are a drug-fiend and a scoundrel of the worst type. 
He has persuaded him to leave his fortune to him. Listen, boy, 
your uncle is not bodily ill. 

Jack—WhsLt I 

Dr. — (Feebly). He is slowly wasting away, from the affects of 
my mysterious drug, which is being administered to him by your 
brother. Your brother has just obtained a drug from me that will 
kill your uncle and lead the physicians to believe he died a natural 
death. 



APR 21 t9ll 



16 THE CONSPIRACY, 

Jack — (Aghast). Merciful God! And nothing can be done to 
prevent it! 

Dr. — (Very feeUy). There may yet be time. Quick — the tele- 
phone. Have the nurse watch him closely and see that not an- 
other drop of medicine is given him. Quick ! 

(Jack rushes to telephone, takes up receiver). 

Jack — 5 — 8 — 9 — J, please. (Pause). Yes, yes, 5 — 8 — 9 — J, please 
Lurry. (Pause). Hello, is this you, Mrs. Wilson? Has Jim Blake- 
ly arrived yet? He hasn't? Thank Heaven! Say, don't you leave 
uncle's bedside for one second, don't let one drop of medicine be 
administered to him until I arrive. I haven't time to explain. For 
God's sake, do as I tell you, uncle's life depends upon it ! All right, 
good-bye! (Hangs up receiver). Thank heaven, I was in time! 

Dr. — (FeeNy, taking a 'bottle from his pocket). Here, take this. 
Give it to your uncle according to directions. It is an antidote to 
the drug he has taken, it will restore his lost vitality, in a few 
weeks he will be as well as ever. 

(Jack takes bottle, De. gasps and falls back into chair. Tele- 
phone rings, Jack rushes over and takes up receiver). 

Jack—UeUol (Pause). Yes, this is I. What's that? Jim Blake- 
ly run over and killed by an auto, on his way home? (Hangs up 
receiver). Good Heavens! 

Dr.— Blakely too? It is fate. 

Nellie — No, Dr. it is retribution. (Dr. gasps and falls back in 
chair dead). 

Jack — (To Nellie). Nellie, my darling wife, this horrible mys- 
tery will soon be cleared, then nothing but sunshine and happiness 
for the future. (Embraces her). 

Nellie — (Looking at De). He is dead. 

Jack — God have mercy on his soul ! 

—CURTAIN— 



One copy del. to Cat. Div. 

APR 2, ,g,. 



A 




